Assessment Report I NRC Civil documentation is not only a prerequisite to obtaining HLP documents and necessary for the recognition, exercise and full realisation of HLP rights, it is also a cross-cutting enabler for other rights, including the right to education, adequate healthcare and freedom of movement. The 2017 HNO showed that lack of civil documentation was reported as an issue in 95 per cent of surveyed sub-districts in Aleppo Governorate13 and in 100 per cent of surveyed sub-districts in Idleb Governorate.14 The main reasons for lacking civil documents in Aleppo Governorate were the lack of available services providing civil documents (79 per cent); civil documentation had never been accessed (74 per cent); civil documentation was unaffordable (74 per cent); and civil documentation had been lost (66 per cent).15 Again, the reported situation was worse in Idleb Governorate. 100 per cent of surveyed sub-districts had occurrences of respondents who had never had documentation, had lost it or there were no services available to access civil documents. It was also reported that respondents did not attempt to obtain documentation (92 per cent); had no trust in or placed no value on civil documents issued (88 per cent); could not afford civil documentation (85 per cent); or civil documentation had been confiscated (69 per cent). 16 The risky or insurmountable challenges of acquiring, replacing or renewing expired civil documentation in Syria require attention, as do associated challenges for protecting HLP rights. There is a need for forward-thinking programming and policy change, particularly for those displaced since 2011. Such change should consider the specific barriers that displaced communities face, with an enhanced focus on the protection of HLP rights as a cornerstone of multiple humanitarian sectors, such as shelter, CCCM, FSL, agriculture, and WASH, as well as an important catalyst to bridge to early recovery and development interventions. Failure to consider HLP rights in the humanitarian response could compound existing inequalities and discriminatory patterns and could ultimately hinder securing durable solutions for IDP and/ or refugee returns. Noting the pervasive nature of HLP and civil documentation concerns presented in the Protection Needs Overview, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) undertook an assessment to improve understanding of the HLP and civil documentation environment in non-government-controlled areas (NGCAs) of Aleppo and Idleb Governorates. UNHCR and NRC undertook a similar study in the south of Syria, also in late 2016, coordinated through the Amman Hub of the Whole of Syria coordination mechanism. This report presents the key findings from the research in the north west of Syria. 13 2017 Humanitarian Needs Overview, 52 14 2017 Humanitarian Needs Overview, 156 15 2017 Humanitarian Needs Overview, 48 16 2017 Humanitarian Needs Overview, 155 NRC Assessment Report I 9